Metabolism & Nutrition Lecture Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms on metabolism, nutrition, and related physiology from the lecture notes.

Metabolism

Sum of all anabolic and catabolic biochemical reactions that sustain life.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathway that breaks molecules down and releases energy (e.g., glycolysis).

Anabolism

Metabolic pathway that builds molecules and requires energy (e.g., lipogenesis).

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Minimum resting energy expenditure; higher in males (≈1500-1800 kcal) than females (≈1300-1500 kcal).

Aerobic Respiration

Oxygen-dependent process in cellular respiration that yields 32-36 ATP per glucose.

Anaerobic Fermentation

Oxygen-independent metabolism that produces lactic acid when O₂ is limited.

Water

Makes up ~70 % of the human body and is essential for metabolic reactions.

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids required in large amounts.

Cardiovascular System

Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes; capillaries enable diffusion into cells.

Capillaries

Microscopic blood vessels where materials diffuse between blood and tissues.

Organic Compounds

Molecules that perform structural maintenance, growth, secretions, and nutrient storage.

Glycogen

Branched polysaccharide stored in liver and skeletal muscles as a glucose reserve.

Triglycerides

Most abundant lipid storage form; provide long-term energy, insulation, and organ protection.

Glycolysis

First, catabolic step of cellular respiration that breaks glucose into pyruvate outside mitochondria.

Citric Acid Cycle

Second stage of aerobic respiration occurring in mitochondria to harvest high-energy electrons.

Electron Transport Chain

Third stage of aerobic respiration that uses electrons to generate most cellular ATP.

Cellular Respiration

Overall process (glycolysis → citric acid cycle → ETC) converting glucose + O₂ to CO₂, H₂O, and 32-36 ATP.

Gluconeogenesis

Anabolic synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors.

Lipolysis

Catabolic breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

Lipogenesis

Anabolic formation of lipids (fat synthesis).

Essential Amino Acids

Ten amino acids the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from diet.

Protein Synthesis

Anabolic assembly of amino acids into proteins needed for cellular functions.

Liver

Organ rich in enzymes for carbohydrate, lipid, and amino-acid metabolism; stores glycogen.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells responsible for metabolic regulation and detoxification.

Cirrhosis

Scarring of liver tissue due to faulty hepatocytes, impairing function.

Adipose Tissue

Fat storage tissue (mainly triglycerides) that provides energy reserve and insulation.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Bone marrow type rich in adipocytes for energy storage.

Skeletal Muscle

Muscle tissue with substantial glycogen reserves for rapid energy during contraction.

Balanced Diet

Diet containing all nutrients needed to maintain homeostasis across organ systems.

Malnutrition

Health condition resulting from an unbalanced or inadequate diet.

Homeostasis

Stable internal environment maintained by adequate nutrient and fluid absorption.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K stored in body fat (A/E: vision; D: skin; K: clotting).

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins B and C (B: cellular respiration & erythropoiesis; C: bone health & immunity).

Processed Foods

Foods altered from natural state; ultra-processed versions often high in sodium, calories, and lipids.

Obesity

Excessive body fat linked to poor diet and increased disease risk.

Atherosclerosis

Arterial plaque buildup often promoted by high-fat diets.

Hypertension

High blood pressure (“silent killer”) influenced by diet and lifestyle.

Diabetes Mellitus

Metabolic disorder (Type 1 or Type 2) characterized by impaired blood-glucose regulation.

Calorie

Energy unit; average daily intake ≈2000 kcal for adults.

Thermoregulation

Maintenance of body temperature, controlled by the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus

Brain region regulating temperature; >100.5 °F indicates fever, <98.6 °F indicates hypothermia.